Manuscript Calligraphy Sets

Beginning artists as well as experienced calligraphers can enjoy using these sets of precision-cut, interchangeable nib pens. Both sets include a variety of nibs, ink cartridges, and a converter for use with bottled ink.

Classic Set — This set contains five interchangeable, precision-cut nibs, ink cartridges, a converter for use with bottled ink, and an instruction leaflet.

Deluxe Set — This set contains six nib sections with gilt calligraphy nibs encompassing all traditional point widths. Also included are ink cartridges, an ink converter for use with bottled ink, and an instruction leaflet.

I started doing calligraphy in 1964, back in the day when you could get Osmiroid and Platignum fountain pens. The manuscript pens are not as good, but appear to be the only fountain pens being made. The "adaptor" included with each set is good, if you're as cheap as I am and don't want to keep spending money on small ink cartridges. Still, although those adaptors can leak, occasionally, the pen points are pretty crisp and clean in their lines. The price for the set is O.K., but otherwise, to do calligraphy, you're forced to use felt tip pens (even if you have to shape the tips with a razor blade) or Speedball dip points. Or, you CAN whittle your own quill pens, especially if there are geese around. That works, and the quill pens don't "splutter" when you push the point away from you in an up-stroke. But they're REALLY conspicuous in your pocket.

This is a good calligraphy set with a selection of several nibs. The pen and accessories are packaged in an attractive silver-colored tin and stores easily. The pen holder and nibs are of good quality.

I can only assume that I unfortunately received a bad batch. When I received the pen set. Two of the refills, red & blue ones, had leaked. One nib was totally useless, If I didn't trust Blicks so much (I have been a user of Blicks for decades and know that their products are excellent) I would believe that I was sold a 'used' set. Unfortunatly, mailing cose make it rediculous to return. I think the manufacture 'butchered' the set, and cheated Blicks.

I use the calligraphy pen for most of my note taking, filling out forms, and similar paperwork for the neatness. Unfortunately the Manuscript pens have been a total waste of money and time. Even with the cap in place, and day to day use the ink dries up too fast and I am constantly having to clean the nib to even write a few words then the ink flow stops. It is too much work. I wish I could find a "really good" calligraphy pen.

I am left handed, so I purchased the lefty set, but they don't work for me. I hold my hand to the left of my writing-other lefties write from above the line of writing or directly below it. Unless I turned the nib almost upside down, it wouldn't write at all and it was difficult to get a smooth line. I don't think it is the pen's fault, when I held it at an odd angle, or wrote from right to left, it worked fine. I will try a set of the regular nibs before I give up and go back to calligraphy markers.

I've been a professional calligrapher for over 40 years, and find myself using Manuscript pens all the time, especially for longer works. I'm currently engrossing "The Hidden Words" by Baha'u'llah (from the scriptures of the Baha'i Faith) which will be about 64 pages when complete. I started using other nibs and pens, but nothing gave me the consistency for page after page like Manuscript.

I bought these pens in order to help a friend write her wedding invitations, and they exceeded my expectations. I loved the variety of nibs and color options, and I found that the pen was easy to hold and use. As with all fountain calligraphy pens, it takes a little time to get the ink flowing, and it's essential to put the cap on after each use. Also, as a note to the left-handed reviewer, the set contained an insert in which Manuscript offered a nib exchange for left-handed writers. Perhaps these left-handed nibs might have solved your problem.

Overall, these are excellent pens - high quality at a great price. I highly recommend them.

Though I'm left handed I was always able to use other calligraphy pens with some adjustment. These I cannot use. The edges are too sharp and catch on the finest tooth paper. The larger nibs are impossible to keep the ink flowing well. I'm probably never using fountain pens again due to these.

The price of this product compared to similar, competitive alternatives is:

Average

Bottom LineNo, I would not recommend this to a friend

Merchant response: We apologize for the issues you encountered with this product. If you are not completely satisfied with the quality of the merchandise you receive, you are entitled to a full replacement or refund. We ask that you contact our Customer Care Center at 800-723-2787 within 30 days so that the exchange, refund, or credit transaction can be arranged to your satisfaction.

Prices, promotions, and availability may vary by store, catalog, and online.

Help with Ordering

Add to Cart — find the materials you want to purchase in the price table.
Enter quantities and press Add to Cart. Materials that you select are not added to your cart until you press Add to Cart.

Shopping Cart — to view your cart, or to check out, click on Shopping Cart.
(A shopping cart icon is also located in the navigation bar at the top of the page.)

Sortable Columns — click on the column heading to sort the table.
For example, click on Color to sort by the color names or click on Price to sort by price (where available).

Expected Date — if we are out of stock, the date given underneath is the date that the
backordered item is expected to arrive at Dick Blick's central Illinois warehouse. To estimate when the item
will be delivered to your door, add up to 10 business days to the Expected Date,
depending on your location and method of shipment.

Backorders — if you order an item that we stock in our warehouse, and we are out of stock,
we backorder that item for you automatically.